Wow, such a big stage and such a small set of contestants left. After a week off, the dancers, judges and Natalie were all edgy and ready to go. Thumbs up for Nat this week; white dresses suit her as do her straight foils in her hair. So I’m gonna be nice tonight and say ‘Yay for Nat!’

This heightened level of the competition means new routines of course, new partners and the new aspect of full blown solos. So let’s get down to it.

Vanessa pulled Jack out of a hat and in the first routine of the night, they ripped out a beautiful contemporary where Jack spun into a blur and Vanessa’s snake around Jack’s legs was the best Jason had ever seen. Rhys, teaming up with Kate had to pull off a mesmerizing hip hop routine choreographed by Supple where Kate could have easily lost her head in Rhys’s groin! And after such a routine, I think Kate is now the new sexiest girl on this show *fanwave*.

Henry seemingly got too carried away... apparently he had something in his eye...

The solos had a twist; the music came from a movie soundtrack and the dancers had a choice of three choreographers to guide them. Hurricane Henry (as Bonnie likes to call him) showed a lot of bravado to an intense song for the first solo.

Second cab off the ranks was Rhiannon with a hip hop (from what movie, I have NO idea), complete with the cutest smile as she finished. Displaying his techniques and long limbs was Anthony in a slow contemporary which was rather boring when compared to his previous performances. Gemma with shimmies and swinging her bum, had choreography that looked like it came out of a strip club. Unfortunately the judges noticed too.

And their comments brought her close to tears.

Was Demi and Graeme’s costume painted on?!? Despite their lack of synchronicity, Demi could have fooled anyone that she was a contemporary dancer. Her lines, the huge fling of a lift just raised her respect level up a notch in this competition. Finally, after 6 weeks, Vanessa had her chance in demonstrating her strength in ballet and she didn’t disappoint. However in a completely clinched choice of literal dance to the Mission Impossible theme, Jack had some nice choppy moves although he did miss the timing of some of them. 

Unfortunately, Kate’s choreography looked slightly like a lap dance with her hair thrashing about everywhere and I completely agree with Bonnie; she can do so much better. Despite the opinions from Bonnie and Matt, I sided with Jason regarding Rhys’ solo. I felt that the Trainspotting music was a perfect choice to set the mood and he told the story through his face with a fantastic display of emotion.

For a couple that had only been together for a week, Gemma and Anthony’s timing and synchronisation with each other was spot on. It was her genre and I felt she settled in her element especially after such a shocking start to the night in her solo. Demi and Graeme rounded off the solos to mixed reactions. It seemed like Demi was another one who had been waiting 6 weeks to show off her own genre and she certainly wowed me with her b-girl tricks.

Henry and a totally different looking Rhiannon had a personal trek choreographed by Kelly Abbey following her lost of a loved one. Sting provided a stunning backdrop to dance to and it was easily the most beautiful routine of the night. Too bad then that Henry seemingly got too carried away and wouldn’t look at the judges during their critique, apparently he had something in his eye... You be the judge.

A total of 15 dances were performed tonight, some were a hit and miss while others shone a spotlight over those dancers performing them. Now it’s over to us. There’s no judges anymore, no safety net. Australia makes the vote and Australia decides the winner. The first step to that goal will be deciding tonight’s losers.

Tags: So You Think You Can Dance